Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer provides engineering support for electrical and control systems within a next-generation lithium-ion battery manufacturing operation. This role focuses on the hardware and software of process control systems and associated instrumentation, ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operation of production equipment. The position combines hands-on troubleshooting with design, modification, and continuous improvement of automation systems, offering the opportunity to work in a dynamic, evolving environment where processes are still being developed and refined.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for electrical and control systems across the facility, focusing on process control hardware, software, and associated instrumentation.
• Ensure timely repair of equipment and perform maintenance, repair, adjustment, and optimization of automation and control systems for plant machinery and equipment.
• Design, modify, and maintain control systems for manufacturing equipment, including installation, testing, and repair of electrical circuits.
• Ensure all PLC and software control systems in the facility operate properly by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and correcting issues as they arise.
• Participate in the development of functional design specifications for capital projects, including sensing strategies, hardware and component selection, robust control strategies, reliable safety systems, and operator-friendly HMIs.
• Take an active role in continuously improving production control systems and components to increase capacity, flexibility, and overall operational efficiency.
• Lead or support the design and implementation of production equipment integration, and assist in developing accurate, well-defined process parameters.
• Assist in training operating personnel in principles of unit operations, process control, controls usage, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
• Support maintenance teams by evaluating equipment repairs and procedures, including assessment of replacement parts to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering and design software and tools to perform control system design, analysis, and documentation tasks.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation of existing and new systems, including diagrams, sketches, prints, schematics, functional specifications, and version control records.
• Collaborate with engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders to discuss existing and potential engineering needs, projects, and product improvements.
• Analyze system requirements, capacity, cost considerations, and internal or external customer needs to determine project feasibility and develop comprehensive system plans.
• Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, products, and systems to verify conformance to specifications, safety standards, and applicable codes or regulations.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of professional experience in PLC and controls troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical systems and diagnosing issues in automation and control environments.
• Ability to program PLCs by modifying and updating existing code and logic, even if not developing programs from scratch.
• Hands-on experience wiring and setting up sensors and related instrumentation for industrial automation.
• Strong controls engineering experience with exposure to programming, modification, and maintenance of control systems.
• Capability to work independently and proactively tackle projects and tasks from start to completion.
• Comfort using computer-assisted engineering and design software for control system tasks.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics, diagrams, and related technical documentation.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate system requirements, capacity, and cost to determine project feasibility.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and adherence to applicable codes and standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Mitsubishi PLCs, particularly in environments where Mitsubishi platforms are predominant.
• Familiarity with designing and implementing sensing strategies and safety systems in automated production environments.
• Experience developing or working with operator-friendly HMIs and integrating them with PLC-based control systems.
• Experience in capital project support, including functional design specifications and system integration.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing or battery production processes and equipment.
• Interest in working in a research and development-oriented manufacturing environment where processes are evolving.
• Motivation to grow into a subject matter expert in controls for advanced energy storage manufacturing.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean production environment designed to meet stringent battery manufacturing requirements. The coating area, which has the most exposure to coating materials, remains clean and well maintained. The workspace is temperature controlled to a comfortable level, typically around the mid-70s Fahrenheit even during warmer months. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Team members work around automated coating and related production equipment such as slitters, calenders, and punching machines. The role requires standing for most of the shift, regular material handling, and consistent adherence to safety practices, including wearing steel-toed shoes and appropriate manufacturing attire. The environment operates with the energy and pace of a startup, offering frequent problem-solving opportunities, close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts, and hands-on exposure to advanced battery manufacturing technologies.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $58.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.